Hello Stephen.  I read your comments about how seizure patients are
handled by emergency people.  You sounded sort of upset about an
apparent lack of interest on the part of EMTs and cops.  There are many,
many reasons for having seizures.  trauma, Diabetes, Strokes, Drug abuse
including alcoholism, and withdrawl, Epilepsy, High fevers, neurological
disorders but to name a few.
     Seizures have "phases"  The pre-seizure, called an 'aura'.  The
actual seizure, and then a "cooling off period" called the post ictal
state.  SDuring this time, the patient is often confused, and lethargic.
     Assuming no worrisome findings are discovered after evaluating the
patient, and the history is basically benign, if thr patient is fully
awake, and refuses care, is is within his/her right.  It should be
explained to the patient that there is no telling if another seizure is
iminent, but it is a significant risk.  We try to encourage every
patient to come to the ER for an eval after a seizure.  If they are
awake, oriented, understand the risks, and still refuse, they have that
right in Massachusetts.
     As far as litigation, That is not the reason ambulances take people
to hospitals.  they take people to hospitals 'cause they need, or want
to be seen for an illness or injury.  If by doing so, the EMT "covers
his/her ass", well, that's fine.  You seem to have a skewed idea of
emergency services.  The vast majority of us do not haul people around
like cordwood, or dirty laundry to "get them off our hands"  They're the
whole reason we're out there.
     Any More questions, I'd be glad to help with.  :)
--- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 
---------------